(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Pikes Peak Region swore in 14 new officers of the court with the 4th District Magistrate Pearson on Monday, Oct. 13.

All 14 advocates took the oath after two weeks of training on trauma, resiliency, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other topics related to child advocacy. Now that they are sworn in, the volunteers will be assigned to open Dependency & Neglect cases within El Paso County’s 4th Judicial District.

According to CASA, every year, there are almost 800 children in El Paso and Teller counties who need a CASA volunteer as they are involved in the family court and child welfare systems due to being mistreated by those who are supposed to look after them. CASA of the Pikes Peak Region had 348 volunteers advocating for 527 children in 2024.

CASA welcomes anyone who would like to make a difference for a child in need to attend an upcoming volunteer orientation. Those interested can RSVP and learn more at  www.casappr.org/volunteer.

Virtual Volunteer Orientation, Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 to 11 a.m.

In-person Orientation at the CASA office, 418 South Weber Street, Thursday, Oct. 23, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Virtual Volunteer Orientation, Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m.

In-person Orientation at Trinity Brewing’s “Dudes & Brews”, Thursday, Nov. 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.